A Festive Thank You from Our Home in Windermere

As the frost begins to settle on the fells and the festive lights twinkle across Bowness, we find ourselves looking back on what has been a truly truly wonderful year here in the Lake District. It is December 8th, giving us just enough time to pause, reflect, and send our warmest wishes to everyone who has walked through our doors this year.

We know how special the holiday season is. It is a time for gathering, for slowing down, and for appreciating the people around us. For us, it is also the perfect moment to say a massive thank you to every single guest who chose to make memories with us in 2025.

Celebrating Shared Moments

Since we established this retreat back in 2021, our goal has never wavered. We wanted to create something more than just a place to sleep. We wanted to offer a sanctuary where five-star luxury meets the genuine warmth of a family home. Seeing so many of you return, or discovering us for the first time, confirms that the vision is alive and well.

This year we have had the pleasure of hosting multigenerational families celebrating milestone birthdays, groups of friends reuniting for long-overdue catch-ups, and couples seeking a quiet escape from the noise of daily life. Whether you filled all three bedrooms or simply enjoyed the space as a smaller group, having you here has been our privilege.

We built this space to sleep up to seven people because we know how rare it is to find high-quality accommodation that keeps everyone together without compromising on comfort. Watching families enjoy the open spaces and the convenience of our location on Thornbarrow Road brings us immense joy.

Worldly Inspiration, Local Heart

When you stay with us, you might notice that the details feel a little different from a standard holiday cottage. We have always been passionate travellers ourselves. Our adventures across the Middle East, South East Asia, Europe, and America have shaped how we view hospitality. We didn't want to just offer a bed; we wanted to bring that global standard of meticulous detail right here to Windermere.

From the luxury bed linens to the carefully curated interiors, every element is there to ensure you feel looked after. We believe that a luxury holiday villa should feel effortless. That is why we prioritised modern necessities like EV charging and driveway parking for three cars. You should not have to worry about where to park or how to charge your car; you should be worrying about which fell to walk or which restaurant in Bowness to try for dinner.

A Winter Wonderland on Our Doorstep

There is something particularly magical about the Lakes at this time of year. The crowds thin out, the pubs get cosier, and the scenery becomes even more dramatic. We absolutely love that our central location means you can leave the car behind and walk straight into the heart of Windermere or Bowness.

For those of you planning your 2026 adventures, we can highly recommend a visit to Thornbeck Manor during the cooler months. Returning to a warm, well-appointed house after a crisp walk on the fells is one of life's great pleasures. It is your exclusive home from home, designed to be the perfect base whether you are a seasoned hiker or someone who prefers to admire the view with a hot chocolate in hand.

Here’s to a Bright 2026

As we close out the year, we are filled with optimism for what comes next. We are busy preparing the manor for our Christmas and New Year guests, ensuring everything is perfect for their festivities.

To all our past guests, thank you for being part of our story. To our future guests, we cannot wait to welcome you. Whether you are a family of seven, three couples, or a smaller group looking for luxury, our door is open.

From our family to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year. May your 2026 be filled with adventure, relaxation, and perhaps a trip back to the beautiful Lake District.

Alison & The Team